Justin Ridgewell of Windsor, ON, a Canadian Dressage athlete, Director of Equine Development at Braeburn Farms, High Performance coach candidate and EC Judge, shares with us his partnership with a very special horse, the late Jolene.
You got your start/break in the equestrian field through working student/groom positions. What has that experience been like and would you recommend it? Do you think this generation of up-and-coming horse kids want to take that path?
I did get my start as a working student for Canadian Olympian Belinda Trussell in 2004. I was a horse obsessed, young rider with hopes and dreams of making it big one day. The experience was very eye opening for me. I was able to travel south into the US and abroad to Europe with Belinda and the horses. I think there are still the exceptions to the rules in every sport but I find you don’t see as many ‘barn rats’ these days like I was! I was in the barn morning until night when I was in high school. I just loved spending time with the horses and it helped me build a sense of community as well. I am still friends with some of my high school barn friends to this day, 20 years later.
What’s your current role with Braeburn Farms? What do you think might surprise people about running a breeding operation?
I have worked for Braeburn farms in Collingwood, Ontario for nearly 10 years. My role is Director of Equine Development, essentially, I manage all sides of the Equestrian department. My umbrella covers a lot from staff to equine management, to personal relations, and also, I am the principal rider for the farm where I train and compete for the owner, Rosemary Phelan. We do not do much breeding currently. We are dressage based but also have some hunters and we are getting into the pony world. I think one thing that may surprise people are a few weeks ago I could be found competing ponies on the line. My favourite part of my job is the relationships built with the horses. I love the horses in our barn and treat them as if they were all mine. I hold a high level of pride with what Braeburn produces and stands for.
Can you tell us a little more about Jolene? She was purchased and remained owned by Braeburn?
Jolene was VERY special to me! The loss of her in June has been devastating to myself as well as my team and anyone who met her. She was such a sweet and loving horse. Jolene loved to be the centre of attention and she made it clear. She allowed me to a have some very exceptional experiences such as riding with Charlotte Dujardin, Monica Theodorescu, and competing at Dressage at Devon to name a few.
You began campaigning Jolene as a seven-year-old – so had five years with her. What made her special? What are a few of your memorable moments?
Yes, Jolene helped put my name on the map so to speak. She was very smart and tried her hardest for you. You could always tell she was thinking and processing each ride. She would come out the next day as if she spent the night thinking over what was being taught the day before! I competed her at third level when we first imported her and moved her up the levels. We were developing Prix St George champions in Wellington, Florida at the White Fences national competition. As previously mentioned, I was able to meet and ride with British great Charlotte Dujardin as well as German National Team Coach, Monica Theodorescu which is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a kid from Windsor, Ontario.
What was Jolene like? Did she have favourite treats or funny quirks?
Jolene was everyone’s favourite! The team at home loved her, people who would meet her out at competitions would love her, the grandchildren of Rosemary loved her. It was not difficult to love Jolene. She had a very sweet disposition and was always looking for attention. She loved bananas.
Had you been riding/training for a current goal? What’s next for you in your riding? When will you feel you can begin looking for a new partner?
Jolene had been in Florida with my coach Shannon Dueck for the past 4 months. She was assisting in bringing Jolene up to the Grand Prix. I was able to meet criteria to declare Jolene for the 2023 Pan Am Games which had been a goal since bringing her to Canada as a seven-year-old. As a young athlete the Olympics were always in the back of my mind and she definitely had the talent for the Grand Prix. I currently had 3 others that I am campaigning for Braeburn, two of which I have recently bumped up into the Prix St George. Braeburn purchased a lovely gelding in the fall. He is an eight-year-old, 18hh, black Hanoverian gelding by Ampere. I have goals for this horse as he is also quite special. His name is Alchemist (Hermes in the barn) and I am competing him at fourth level.
Are you coaching much right now?
This summer I made the decision to focus on my horses, my team, and my relationships so I am coaching a bit but will focus more on my development as a rider. I am also a high-performance coach candidate and am in the process of finishing the requirements for that.
We know you are also a dressage judge! How do you fit that in?
I am currently an EC Senior dressage judge. Perhaps the youngest in Canada to hold this status. Last summer was very busy with judging and competing so I am not taking on many judging jobs this summer.
What do you like about judging? What competitions have you officiated?
Judging provides an insight to the other side of the show ring. I think anyone who is competing should sit in the judges booth at some point in their career. Last summer I was asked to officiate at the Eastern and Western Ontario Silver Championships, the Saskatchewan regional Championships and I have officiated the Ontario Eventing Championships in the past as well.
What’s next for you?
I just returned from visiting my in-laws in Paris, France. Now I will be competing my horses throughout the Canadian show season, completing the High Performance Coaching program, continuing to work towards the University of Guelph program Equine Business Management, and spending time with my little nephew Rylan.